SANFORD — Two.
It’s the magic number for the Sanford Mainers to guarantee a spot in the NECBL playoffs.
Two weeks ago, it would seem like an easy task for the team, but the Mainers, who have lost seven of the last nine games entering its second game of a double-header with the Laconia Muskrats on Friday night, are in a fight to ensure one of the final spots in the tournament.
One tough inning of play separated the Mainers from winning the first contest, a 4-2 loss to the Muskrats. Sanford starting pitcher Jonathan Reich allowed allowed three of Laconia’s four runs in the third inning, highlighted by a 2-run home run by catcher Dylan Kelly.
Reich settled down afterward, and left after four innings of work, allowing seven hits and striking out one batter.
The Mainers fought back to cut the lead in half. Mainers outfielder Mike Montville scored Brett Mollenhauer with an RBI single in the bottom of the third inning, and third baseman Eric Hailer scored Paul Kronenfeld on an RBI double down the left field line in the fourth inning.
Sanford almost tied the game in the seventh and final inning, as Justin Leisenheimer was on first and Mollenhauer was at second with one out. But Montville hit into a double-play, ending the contest.
Leisenheimer led the Mainers offensively by going 3 for 4 at the plate, while adding a stolen base.
Alex Eliopolis earned the win on the mound for Laconia, pitching six innings, allowing two runs on six hits, striking out four batters.
The second game was going the way of a pitchers duel between Sanford starter Tommy Lawrence and Chris Constantino of Laconia. Constantino, who pitched a no-hitter against the Keene Swamp Bats on July 17, had four strikeouts in three innings of work against Sanford, allowing one hit. Lawrence was equally as impressive, also striking out four while allowing only one hit.
The second game of the double-header was suspended after the third inning due to rain.
After the NECBL All-Star game on Wednesday, Mollenhauer said the Mainers are in a fight for their playoff lives.
“We’re struggling a little bit, but we’re playing well as a team,” Mollenhauer said. “We’ll just get back on track, and we’ve got another couple of games and get back in a groove.”
The road doesn’t get easier for Sanford in its final set of games. The Mainers host the New Bedford Bay Sox tomorrow, before hitting the road on Sunday to play the Newport Gulls and then returning to play the North Shore Navigators, the defending NECBL champions, in the final game of the regular season on Aug. 1.
— Contact Dave Dyer @ 282-1535 ext. 318 or follow on Twitter @Dave_Dyer.
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